Acting Up

Standing ovations! Standing room only crowds! These are the wishes of theatre producers from the biggest shows on Broadway to the the smallest experimental theatre in the boondocks. The challenge is how to stay true to your artistic vision…and pay the bills.

When I selectedFiddler on the Rooffor the JCC CenterStageseason, I knew it would be popular with audiences. I also expected the backlash from people who had seen the show multiple times. I was even accused of “selling out” by staging such a popular show. Really? Really? It’s not like Fiddler is a light, fluffy musical. Of course, these reactions were expected.

Pam Goode and Steve Marsocci in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Photo by Steve Levinson

Our goal was to stage “not-just-another-Fiddler.” Without changing the play fundamentally, we wanted audiences to experience the story in a new way. In rehearsals, we focused on story elements that often get reduced to punch lines. We explored the nuances of characters that have evolved into stereotypes. The result is a Fiddlerthat feels accessible to new audiences and fresh for fans that know the movie by heart. While the show IS selling-out regularly and has just been extended, we know in our hearts, we are NOT pandering because we have staged a quality production of a quality play. Regardless, it’s worth seeing, just to see Steve Marsocci as Tevye (right).

If that’s not enough for you, than please go see A New Brain at Blackfriars. The exciting, new musical may never be as iconic as Fiddler on the Roof , but Blackfriars presents a quality production of a fascinating new piece of theatre that challenges and entertains audiences. Regardless, it’s worth seeing, just to see Matt Tappon as Gordon (left).

For next season at JCC CenterStage, I’ve selected two musicals. One you have heard of and one you have not. Mel Brooks’ The Producers is expected to be a popular hit, but is no easy show to present. The other is the U.S. premiere of My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, which was a hit in Toronto. The title is certain to raise eyebrows, but will audiences come?

Theaters have bills to pay, but theatre producers are inspired by what’s new. Whether that’s a fresh take on an old musical or something totally unknown, we promise to bring fresh, new theatre to Rochester if audiences promise to support it.

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Ralph Meranto is Artistic Director/Producer of CenterStage Theatre at the Jewish Community Center where he has Directed productions of Rent, Hair, West Side Story Urinetown, Six Degrees of Separation, My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding and many others. As an actor Ralph has performed on many local stages and can often be seen in television commercials and promotions. Ralph is also an acting coach specializing in audition preparedness and serves on the Executive Committees of TheatreRocs and the Assn. for Jewish Theatre.